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Highlighting 15 Microschools for 15 Years of NSCW

As National School Choice Week (NSCW) celebrates 15 years of empowering families to make the best educational solutions for their families, we’re spotlighting a growing part of the momentum: microschooling

The basic concept of microschooling is pretty easy to understand: students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Usually, microschools address a local need and are formed when families in the same vicinity bring children similar in age together.

Microschools can take many different forms and can occur in different locations. For example, they may include part-time enrollment in public school classes, online courses, or apprenticeship programs while homeschooling. Microschools can also take place in homes, churches, libraries, public outdoor spaces, or commercial properties. They may also operate through different tracks. According to the National Microschooling Center, microschools can be found as partnerships, independent, or through a provider network.

There is a growing demand for microschooling and non-traditional learning environments. Our recent survey found that 16% of parents considered enrolling their children in a microschool or a non-traditional setting.

From home-based classrooms to partnerships with colleges, these 15 microschools highlight the diversity and innovation at the heart of the microschooling movement nationwide. 

15 Microschools That Shine

ACRES in Jonesboro, Arkansas

Founded by former traditional public school teacher Lauren McDaniel-Carter, ACRES launched in 2023 to serve elementary-aged children. It primarily serves families who register as homeschoolers, utilizing a space built above the garage in her home. This setup allows families the flexibility to use the Education Freedom Account available for eligible families in Arkansas.

EmpowerED Leaders in Boulder City, Nevada 

EmpowerED Leaders, founded by former public school teachers Amy Higley and Jayme Haines, launched this year and has already reached full capacity, with a waitlist in place. They serve families who register as homeschoolers and offer a full-time program for elementary-aged children.

Roadstead Montessori Middle and High School in Norfolk, Virginia 

Husband and wife team Eran Livni and Anna Mirkova brought their vision to life by founding a Montessori middle and high school microschool that has become a part of their community since 2014. Roadstead is dedicated to addressing the needs of the many families in the area and operates full-time in a historical building in Downtown Norfolk, VA.

Sycamore Seeds in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Launched this year, Sycamore Seeds is a microschool designed for early elementary school-aged children, offering part-time education in compliance with homeschooling laws in Indiana. Founded by Lauren Moses, Sycamore Seeds sets out to provide an alternative for families looking for part-time schooling options in a region where most available choices are faith-based. 

Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (CALE) in Columbia, Missouri 

Founded by Jill Brown and Susan Deakins, both former public school educators, CALE provides full-time and part-time education solutions for students in grades JK-12, with grades JK-8 located in a church and grades 9-12 located on a college campus.

WIN Academy at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College in South Charleston, West Virginia

WIN Academy is a unique microschool designed specifically for 11th and 12th grade students. It operates as a charter school in partnership with Bridge Valley Community and Technical College. Students have the opportunity to engage in dual enrollment, with a particular focus on nursing. 

Harper Learning Academy, Byram, Mississippi 

Harper Learning Academy, founded by Dr. Stephanie Harper, focuses on serving children with learning differences. It provides competency-based learning and empowers them through holistic support services designed to meet the unique needs of each student in grades K–12.

Beacon Academy, Gresham, Oregon 

Beacon, founded by Elizabeth Ruddell, is dedicated to empowering children with learning differences by providing tailored educational options. Located in Oregon, they offer a variety of choices for families under the state’s homeschool law for grades K-5.

Onward Learning, Martin, South Dakota

Founded by Mary Jo Farihead, Onward Learning provides education for children in grades K-8. Emphasizing a Montessori-inspired approach, Mary Jo tailors learning experiences to meet the needs of each child.

Rooted Life Academy in Spring Hill, Kansas 

Rooted Life, founded by Becky McNichols, is a faith-based program dedicated to serving and partnering with homeschooling families. This learning option offers part time and full time options and specializes in individualized learning for children in a one room schoolhouse setting. 

WeSchool Academy in Chicago, Illinois

WeSchool, founded by Aziza Butler, provides 2-day and 3-day options for homeschooling families. The program aims to support families and the community, offering personalized education for each child while utilizing the city as a learning environment.

Templeton Academy in Nashville, Tennessee 

Founded by Temp Keller, Templeton Academy is a microschool teaching students in in grades 6-12. The academy focuses on project-based learning, encouraging students to take an active role in their community while learning.

Kingdom Kids Empowerment Academy in Huntersville, North Carolina

Founded by Tanisha DaCosta, Kingdom Kids is an engaging K-12 microschool inspired by Montessori principles focused on HEAL: holistic health, Economic empowerment, academic success and leader development.

Homestead Learning in Gillette, Wyoming 

Founded by Alison Brady, Homestead Learning is a microschool for homeschooling children. Homestead Learning’s approach to education promotes autonomy, resilience, and critical thinking through self-directed education, practical life skills, and collaborative learning experiences with children of all ages. 

The Success Center in Goose Creek, South Carolina

Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Doug and Alicia Dickerson, The Success Center serves children in grades K-12, emphasizing hands-on learning, flexible curriculums, and aligning with student interests. 

Looking Forward

These 15 microschools demonstrate how small-scale solutions can provide families with educational opportunities that may best support their child’s needs. As we celebrate these microschools and the 15th anniversary of National School Choice Week, we are proud to highlight their impact on creating educational options that cater to families within their communities.
For more information on microschooling, including their locations and important facts, please visit our guide to microschooling and mix-and-match learning and the National Microschooling Center.